Breaking News: Authorities are maintaining a vigilant stance against a highly unpredictable fire, with efforts shifting towards aftermath and consolidation rather than direct combat. Meanwhile, a suspect has been arrested in connection with three fires in Ponte da Barca, near Peneda-Gerês Park.
evergreen Context:
The fire in Arouca, declared dominated as of 7 am, continues to require a notable on-the-ground presence, with 436 operational personnel, 159 vehicles, and three aircraft deployed. Anepc sources confirm no fronts are evolving unfavorably or are out of firefighter control. This fire, which began on Monday and spread to neighboring castle and Cinfães Castle, has been a major concern throughout the week. At its peak, it spanned over 48 kilometers of perimeter and consumed more than 4,500 hectares of forest. The blaze also caused damage to homes, agricultural outbuildings, and the Paiva walkways. The Arreinho – Vau section of the walkways is scheduled to reopen to the public on Saturday, while the Vau – Espiunca section will remain closed.
as of Friday at 12 noon, there were 42 active fire occurrences across the country, involving 2,060 operational personnel, 662 terrestrial resources, and 16 aircraft. The previous day, Thursday, saw 30 individuals sustain minor injuries due to fires.
The interior of the Centro region, especially large portions of the Bragança, Guarda, and Castelo Branco districts, are currently facing a maximum danger of rural fire, according to data from the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). Six municipalities in the Faro district-Portimão, Silves, Monchique, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel, and Tavira-are also under the same high-risk classification. Additionally, the municipalities of Trofa, Gondomar, and Valongo in the Porto district are at maximum risk.Viseu, Leiria, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, and Santarém are experiencing full danger levels. Within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area,only the municipality of Loures is forecast to have a very high danger level.
Portugal is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to remain high.From Saturday onwards, the entire continental territory will be under at least a yellow warning for heat.